Candida auris fungus spreads across 27 US states

The drug-resistant fungus Candida auris is spreading rapidly across the United States, with reports indicating significant clusters in 27 states as of mid-2026. Health authorities have identified thousands of clinical cases, posing an urgent threat to vulnerable patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

California has reported the highest number of cases, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the total. Other states with high concentrations include Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Data from the CDC highlights emerging hotspots, specifically noting high case counts in Texas and Michigan.

Candida auris is considered a ‘superbug’ because it is resistant to multiple classes of antifungal medications. The fungus can survive for extended periods on surfaces such as bed rails and medical equipment, making it easy to transmit through contact. It can also be spread by asymptomatic individuals through a process known as ‘colonization,’ complicating containment efforts and necessitating strict hygiene and screening protocols.